Singer

Opera Philadelphia proudly presents the American premiere of "The Listeners," a thrilling new opera with music by Missy Mazzoli and libretto by Royce Vavrek. This captivating work, based on an original story by Jordan Tannahill, is performed in English with English supertitles and explores the seductive power of cults and charismatic leaders in a divided nation. The opera delves into the lengths Americans are willing to go to find a sense of place and purpose, and how confident, charming leaders can exploit these needs.

Set in a southwestern U.S. suburb, "The Listeners" follows a middle-class mother, soprano Nicole Heaston in her company debut, who notices a mysterious hum that only a select few can hear. As a community organization forms to investigate, meetings led by the de facto leader Kevin Burdette take on a cult-like atmosphere, leading to a potentially destructive path.

The opera is scheduled for performances at the Academy of Music on Wednesday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 27 at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 29 at 2:00 p.m. The runtime is approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.

"The Listeners" is a co-commission and co-production with Norwegian National Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. This season's production is supported by the Artistry Now Matching Fund, Barbara Augusta Teichert, and major support from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Female Composers program.

The cast and creative team feature Corrado Rovaris as conductor, Lileana Blain-Cruz as director, and a talented ensemble including Troy Cook, Lindsey Reynolds, Kevin Burdette, Aaron Crouch, and many more, bringing this powerful story to life.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience this groundbreaking opera that examines the sound of a divided nation through the lens of an extraordinary musical and theatrical journey.

EPSG:4326

The Listeners

Academy of Music

The Big Swim, commissioned by Houston Grand Opera in partnership with Asia Society Texas Center , is a contemporary fable that fuses diverse influences into a single, compelling whole. Composer Meilina Tsui and librettist Melisa Tien have crafted a witty, heartwarming one-act opera that intentionally crosses boundaries between the traditional and modern, Eastern and Western, and classical and non-classical. In a new retelling of the race, the 12 animals learn that fierce competition is not as crucial as caring for and supporting one another, side by side.

The Big Swim

Asia Society Texas Center

Guest Artist and Violist Joseph Lim, member of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a duo concert with his sister and Department of Music Visiting Professor of Piano, Rira Lim. The program will include works by Hummel, Reinecke and the great Sonata in E-flat major by Johannes Brahms.

Guest Artist: Joseph Lim, viola

University of California, Irvine

The Lyric Opera of Chicago proudly presents "The Listeners," a compelling new opera by the acclaimed composer/librettist team Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek. This gripping narrative follows Claire, a woman tormented by an incessant, low-frequency hum that only she can hear. In her quest for relief, Claire joins a group called The Listeners, dedicated to uncovering the source of the noise and eliminating it. However, the organization takes a dark turn, evolving into a cult-like entity with catastrophic consequences. 

Under the baton of Music Director Enrique Mazzola and the visionary direction of Lileana Blain-Cruz, the production promises a vocally and dramatically powerful experience. The opera is sung in English with projected English titles, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. The performance features a stellar cast, including Nicole Heaston as Claire, Kyle Ketelsen as Howard, and Jasmine Habersham as Ashley, among others. 

The Lyric Opera House will host this event, offering additional accessibility features such as audio-described performances, touch tours for patrons with low vision, and ASL-interpreted performances. The innovative SoundShirt technology will also be available, allowing wearers to feel the music through touch sensations. 

"The Listeners" is co-commissioned and co-produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago, Norwegian National Opera, and Opera Philadelphia, with generous support from the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation and the Zell Family Foundation. This production is set to be one of the most significant operatic events of the 2024/25 season, showcasing the exceptional talents of its cast and creative team.

Joseph Lim

Baritone

Events

Upcoming events

Mar 30 - Apr 11, 2025

The Listeners · Lyric Opera of Chicago

Past events

25 - 29 Sep, 2024

The Listeners · Opera Philadelphia

16 - 18 Feb, 2024

The Big Swim · Houston Grand Opera

About

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